EXCLUSIVE: IGG Raids Speaker Among’s Homes as Speakership Battle Splits NRM
Kampala, Uganda – May 17, 2026 – Uganda’s political landscape was thrown into turmoil Saturday as armed state investigators raided three properties belonging to Bukedea Woman MP and former Speaker Anita Annet Among, just days before the 12th Parliament convenes to elect its new leadership.
The coordinated operations, carried out by the Inspectorate of Government (IGG), the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID), and the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), targeted Among’s residences in the upscale Kampala suburbs of Nakasero, Ntinda, and Kigo (Mutungo). Documents, electronic devices, and financial records were seized, according to multiple sources familiar with the raids.
The IGG, led by Justice Aisha Naluzze Batala, confirmed that a formal investigation is underway into alleged breaches of the Leadership Code Act. The probe focuses on accusations that Among failed to properly declare assets, under-declared income, and accumulated wealth inconsistent with her known sources of earnings.
“The verification process includes forensic analysis of bank records, land registries, company filings, and tax returns,” a senior IGG official said on condition of anonymity. “No formal referral to the Leadership Code Tribunal has been made as of today, but the investigation is active and progressing.”
From Cleaner to Speaker: A Meteoric Rise Under Threat
Among, 52, has long embodied a quintessential Ugandan success story. Born in Bukedea District, she worked as a cleaner and cashier at Centenary Bank before training as an accountant, qualifying as a lawyer, and becoming a lecturer. She entered Parliament in 2021 as an independent before joining the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM). Following the death of Speaker Jacob Oulanyah, she was elected Speaker of the 11th Parliament in March 2022.
During her tenure, Parliament passed the controversial Anti-Homosexuality Act of 2023, a law that drew international condemnation but widespread domestic support. Among has consistently pointed to development projects in Bukedea—including schools, a hospital, and sports facilities—as evidence of her commitment to constituents. She was re-elected in the January 2026 general elections, which saw the NRM retain a commanding majority.
Sanctions and Scandals
The domestic investigation follows existing international punitive measures. In April 2024, the United Kingdom imposed targeted sanctions on Among under its Global Anti-Corruption Sanctions Regulations, citing her alleged role in the diversion of iron sheets meant for vulnerable communities in Karamoja. The sanctions include a travel ban and asset freeze. Shortly after, the United States imposed visa restrictions on Among and her husband, Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) president Moses Magogo, for what it termed “significant corruption.”
Among has repeatedly denied all allegations, characterizing the sanctions as political retaliation for her role in passing the Anti-Homosexuality Act. She has publicly challenged the UK to produce evidence of any assets she owns in British jurisdiction.
Political Realignment Ahead of Speakership Vote
The timing of the IGG investigation has fueled intense speculation about political targeting. The 12th Parliament is expected to elect its Speaker within days, and reports from inside the NRM indicate a fierce contest is underway.
According to multiple party insiders, President Yoweri Museveni has held private meetings urging Among to step aside, citing concerns over her accumulation of wealth and controversial parliamentary expenditures, including “service awards” to commissioners and funds routed through private accounts for outreach programmes.
The Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), a pressure group associated with Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, initially backed Among and her deputy Thomas Tayebwa for the leadership of the 12th Parliament. However, party sources confirm the PLU has since withdrawn that support and is now rallying behind Jacob Marksons Oboth-Oboth, the State Minister for Defence and Member of Parliament for West Budama County South. Oboth-Oboth has held high-profile thanksgiving events attended by large numbers of MPs, positioning him as the leading alternative.
Among has publicly downplayed any further political ambitions, stating previously that she intends to retire from active politics by 2031.
Legal Pathways and Potential Outcomes
Under the Leadership Code Act, if the IGG finds sufficient evidence, the case may be referred to the Leadership Code Tribunal. This quasi-judicial body has the power to impose fines, recommend demotion or dismissal from office, order forfeiture of illicitly acquired assets, award compensation, and recommend criminal prosecution to the Director of Public Prosecutions.
As of press time on May 17, 2026, no such referral has been made, and no criminal charges have been announced. Among has not been arrested or detained.
Broader Implications
Political analysts say the saga underscores deeper fault lines within the NRM: factionalism between old-guard loyalists and younger cadres associated with Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba; generational tensions over succession; and the Museveni administration’s occasional use of anti-corruption instruments to manage internal party discipline.
“Whether this is genuine accountability or selective targeting depends on whether other officials with similar wealth profiles face parallel investigations,” said a Kampala-based political commentator who spoke on condition of anonymity. “What is clear is that the speakership election will be a referendum on Among’s political future.”
For now, Among remains a sitting Member of Parliament. Her legal team is expected to challenge the raids in court, while the IGG continues its forensic work. The 12th Parliament is scheduled to convene later this month, and the speakership vote will proceed as planned—unless the Tribunal intervenes first.
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